Words by R.E. Joyce
to write is to place love in the hands of generations to come
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So, You Think a Lot about Writer’s Block
If, in the very moment of your monumental torment, your proverbial brain pen goes dry, and the words clog up in your arm, unable to reach your fingertips and flow out upon the page, you have two options.
1. You can cry out to the gods, cursing the malady that has so inflicted you, or
2. You can gently allow the unfinished thought to have the time it needs to gestate and thank all that is within you for your multidimensional capabilities.
In other words, don’t fret about the small stuff; enjoy the moment and know that it will come when it is ready. If you receive nothing from this article, then read the following statement, and please take it to heart:
Our journey as authors is to bring heart, mind, and soul together for moments of clarity that others can experience. No blockage can stand in the way of a mission as profound and empowering as this.
We need to break down this element of inertia in order to control its effects. Three distinct maladies wrapped up in this term tend to muddle the resolution.
- Plot Impediment
- Character Hissy-fit
- Writer’s Malaise
To be upfront, I began my authorship career believing there was no such thing as writer’s block. Now, while I still detest the concept, I must admit to its existence and its influence on my daily writing journey. By breaking down the instances of this obstruction, I have freed myself from many of its debilitating consequences.
Plot Impediment
I have six tales in various stages of completion. They are blocked because I cannot see where they go next. As a Discovery Writer, I have an infuriating habit of getting started with a tale only to find a plot chasm blocking my progress. This impediment not only frustrates me but also finds its way into my dream state, poking at my perseverance. A blocked plot will often consume all of my imagination, restricting any writing progress I attempt.
Oh, you of the golden outline—I can hear your chuckles at my distress. It is easy to say that I caused this myself and that if I had planned better, it would not have happened. (Snarky retort – Yeah, but where is the fun in the adventure when you already know what’s in the woods?)
This impediment is real, and it requires both time and effort to overcome. I use the shelving technique to keep my process working freely. I have come to enjoy my shelved materials and visit them on reading days, seeing if inspiration has a new path for the story to tread.
- Create a NOTES Chapter and state precisely what is blocking the story from moving forward.
- Set up a “read reminder” on your calendar so dust does not dampen the opportunity the story holds for you and your readers. I like to visit them once a month to see if there is progress to be made. Also, with the reminder, I can let them rest without taking up time and space in my conscious (and unconscious) mind.
- These unfinished works are assets that never depreciate. In fact, they create a depth of imagination and become gems that can, themselves, create new inspiration.
- Finally, when the pathway opens, the writing is well—orgasmic. Please forgive the colorful word, but it fits. It is like Christmas in July, and your Hobbit half-birthday all rolled into one. The characters seem to push you to run after sitting so long awaiting their destiny.
Plot impediment is real, and rectifying it takes time and discipline. However, it should never dampen your authorship journey. It is part of the process to be embraced.
Character Hissy-fit
Like any other incarnation of a child, our characters gain a life of their own and take up residence in our hearts and minds. I believe that our story characters should reach the same level of intensity in our lives, and when they, too, create blockages, we need to spend the time to understand.
My military thriller novellas have highlighted this creative and ongoing issue. I use characters repeatedly in different stories with various teammates, and they evolve, transform, and create dichotomies that need to be addressed. A mild-mannered character is suddenly thrust into a leadership role, and their empowerment needs explanation. The playboy soldier, always joking around, is suddenly the instigator of a cause, revealing his true depth.
Initially, I categorized this writer’s block predicament as one of non-preparation. I had heard of authors who build an entire character profile down to the type of shaving cream they prefer before ever writing a word.
As you might expect, I pointed my snout to the heavens and ignored their advice.
I allow my beautiful characters to surprise me with changes that need to come continually. They move out of two dimensions and become more like the two “characters” I raised in real life.
My only advice, seeing that I am just exploring this marvelous experience of character building, is to:
- Let them grow
- Explain any historical transformations
- Consider them blessings each and every day
Most of us realize that all characters are a part of our inner being. Even when we create an evil warlord, we still look through the mirror of our own life. If you need a way to accept your character’s changes, write a story about your current best friend meeting your childhood self and see how much growth is a natural part of being us.
Writer’s Malaise
The morning screamed out its arrival, and the weary dream traveler fell from the disheveled bedding onto the floor with a groan—attacked throughout the night by recurring nightmares whose frequency tormented even his waking thoughts. It cursed at him and laughed at his feeble attempts at exorcizing the dead-end tale to free his mind for inspiration.
Water splashes on the concerned wrinkles of the old warrior’s visage; he once again sucks in a deep breath and faces the awaiting day. Fingers brush the keyboard, familiar and yet foreign to his touch. He holds back a tear and sighs as he remembers the beautiful mornings when the words flew from his fingertips with great abandon, filling the pages with stories fit for a king. Where are the halcyon days of writing, and why, oh why, does my muse torment me so?
This blockage is a deeper, more deadly constricture that requires definition and prompt action. Doubt creeps in from time to time, questioning our purpose. This blockage takes many forms and can be hidden behind our protestations, blaming bad critics and inconsiderate agents who don’t understand the beauty of our writings.
Definition of malaise - a vague sense of mental or moral ill-being, a malaise of cynicism and despair —Malcolm Boyd
All of life is pockmarked by moments of doubt and melancholy. Our authorship journey is not immune to the challenge of living. In the real world, malaise forces its cruelty on me time and again. Perseverance and refocusing of purpose are required to continue down a pathway darkened by self-doubt. When writer’s malaise strikes:
- Get back to the basics
- Affirm your core mission as an author
- Live in the day given to you.
Our reality is that we are writers with something to say, living within all of life’s trials. No one ever said this career would be easy or relieve us of the need to live.
A new rising will come through the darkness that will expand the joy of life.
These cherished words were written by some greatteacher long ago (or should have been).
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R.E. Joyce
We were approached by a rather dusty old gentleman who stated flatly in a West Texas drawl that he “found the scrolls while looking for gold.” His only requirement was to be left alone, and any reward could be left at the Western Union station for his eventual return to civilization.
They were parchments dating far back in history, and they told fantastic tales that filled our staff with excitement. Our happiness was so great that we chose to pen a name commensurate to the event. These are the transcriptions of the works we have been given under the name of r.e.joyce. We hope you rejoice, too!
Drop me a line, and I will get you the ALPHA Copy of Seeking Love’s Vision for your reading enjoyment!
Bill.Joyce@vismgt.com
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ABOUT THE BOX SET
Beyond the Realms
A Limited Edition Box Set
Collection of YA Epic Fantasy Authors
In lands far beyond our world heroes step forward to take on epic journeys into the unknown. They must face the thrill of adventure, love, and magic to find themselves as they go. But when fate plays with their destiny, they find they are on a path they never saw coming. From SwordMasters to Fae creatures you will find a mix of fantasy creatures that will keep you reading until the very end. Grab this limited-edition box set before time runs out.
Written by authors of Fantasy Romance and Epic Quests, this boxset is sure to take you on an epic journey. Featuring tales by Christina Wallace, debut author Joli Campbell, International Bestselling author K.M. Jenkins, Megan Charlie, and R.E. Joyce fill these pages.
Twisting tales of battle, magic, intrigue, love, and tragedy. Perfect for those looking for light romance with epic adventures to enjoy.
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, One Bed, She saves herself, Strong female lead, Fae, Task-based quest/epic journey, Epic Quest, Magical Test, Facing ones fears, Hero's journey, The mentor, and Love triangle turned inside out
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